The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and newborn healthcare services following the successful delivery of quadruplets at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry.
Commending the medical team, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the professionalism and swift response of healthcare workers involved in the high-risk case.
He noted that multiple births such as quadruplets require specialised care, close monitoring, and coordinated medical intervention to ensure the safety of both mother and infants.
The minister directed the hospital to provide comprehensive postnatal care and psychosocial support to the family, while also emphasizing the critical role of antenatal care in managing pregnancy-related risks.
According to him, regular antenatal visits enable early detection of complications, improve pregnancy outcomes, and contribute to safer deliveries.
Health experts at the Abeokuta facility also highlighted the importance of early antenatal registration and continuous monitoring, noting that such measures help identify multiple pregnancies in advance and allow for proper delivery planning.
The ministry further underscored the need for postpartum counselling and access to family planning services as part of comprehensive maternal healthcare.
Officials advised pregnant women to register early at recognised health facilities and maintain consistent contact with qualified healthcare providers throughout their pregnancy.
Reiterating its broader healthcare agenda, the ministry stated that efforts are ongoing to expand access to quality maternal and newborn services across Nigeria, with the goal of reducing preventable maternal and infant mortality through improved infrastructure, skilled personnel, and enhanced service delivery.
The statement also revealed that the patient, Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, was referred to the tertiary facility while already in labour. Medical teams responded promptly to the emergency, successfully delivering four babies and stabilising both the mother and her newborns.
Health authorities say the case underscores the importance of timely referrals, skilled care, and a strengthened healthcare system in managing complex pregnancies.
